Patrol
WordNet
noun
(1) The activity of going around or through an area at regular intervals for security purposes
(2) A detachment used for security or reconnaissance
(3) A group that goes through a region at regular intervals for the purpose of security
verb
(4) Maintain the security of by carrying out a control
WiktionaryText
Etymology 1
From , .
Noun
- A going of the rounds along the chain of sentinels and between the posts, by a guard, usually consisting of three or four men, to insure greater security from attacks on the outposts.
- A movement, by a small body of troops beyond the line of outposts, to explore the country and gain intelligence of the enemy's whereabouts.
- The guard or men who go the rounds for observation; a detachment whose duty it is to patrol.
- Any perambulation of a particular line or district to guard it; also, the men thus guarding; as, a customs patrol; a fire patrol.
- In France there is an army of patrols to secure her fiscal regulations. -A. Hamilton.
Etymology 2
From from from
Verb
- To go the rounds along a chain of sentinels; to traverse a police district or beat.
- To go the rounds of, as a sentry, guard, or policeman; as, to patrol a frontier; to patrol a beat.